This chart can help you recognize phrases that are wordy. Each can be reduced or replaced to create a leaner, more direct style. Examine the list. You might recognize a tendency to use some of these inflated phrases in your own writing.
| Inflated | Concise |
| along the lines of | like |
| as a matter of fact | in fact |
| at all times | always |
| at the present time | now, currently |
| at this point in time | now, currently |
| because of the fact that | because |
| by means of | by |
| due to the fact that | because |
| for the purpose of | for |
| for the reason that | because |
| have the ability to | can, be able to |
| in order to | to |
| in spite of the fact that | although, though |
| in the event that | if |
| in the final analysis | finally |
|
Mod-22
in the nature of |
like |
| in the neighborhood of | about, approximately |
| in the world of today | today, now |
| until such time as | until |